Rural Life in Texas

Between 1846 and 1860 nearly all Texans lived on farms or on ranches.

The number of farms grew from 12,00 to almost 43,000. land was Inexpensive and available

Many farmers focused on growing food crops. Corn remained the largest food crop in Texas and was a major part of Texans diet. Other crops were wheat, oats, and sweet potatoes. These crops didn't make enough profit tho.

Cotton was the primary cash crop. Cotton would be shipped to northern states and Europe where it would be made in to cloth. Sugar cane was also a primary cash crop.

Texans then started to raise livestock in the 1850s for wool and food. Ranches included cows, horses, and chickens. Ranches made a lot of money in the 1850s.